Conquering Allergies This Spring

Spring has arrived, and with it comes warm sunshine and colorful flower blooms. Along with those lovely flowers, however, comes quite the increase in allergens wafting around in the air. Spring allergies are no joke and can quickly turn a day from great to miserable. Let’s look at some of the best ways to tackle allergies this year!

Spring Allergies

Spring can be a beautiful season, but it’s also host to a fairly wide array of allergies. As the weather turns warmer, plants begin to release pollen. This, in turn, leads to millions of people struggling with sniffles and sneezes. If you’ve ever suffered from allergies, then you know just how serious they can be. Some people mention “hay fever” as though it’s no big deal, but allergy sufferers know better. They understand that sometimes these allergies are debilitating and can lead to a reduced quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no concrete cure for seasonal allergies – but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to make them a bit more bearable.

How does pollen cause allergies?

Pollen is one of the season’s biggest allergy triggers. Pollen is material that is released by plants to fertilize nearby plants and keep the ecosystem running smoothly. And while this is an important function, the problem is that pollen is carried on the breeze and often inhaled. And when the material is ingested by someone who has an allergy to it, the result is surprisingly nasty spring allergies. Your immune system sees pollen as dangerous and begins to attack the allergen. Histamines are then released into the blood, which triggers itchy eyes and runny noses. Some common pollen-carriers that often trigger allergies include:

Best Ways to Tackle Allergies

Now that the question “how does pollen cause allergies?” has been answered, you might be wondering what to do about the situation. It’s a fair question – after all if pollen is everywhere and your body hates it, what can you do to make the situation better? Well, you can start by visiting your doctor. Speak with them about your symptoms and see if they have suggestions about treatment options and medication. You can also visit your local pharmacy and look for allergy medicine. Antihistamines help reduce sniffling, sneezing, and itching. Decongestants are another option. These work by relieving swelling and congestion in the nasal passageways. You might also consider opting for an antihistamine/decongestant combination medication that gives you the best of both worlds. Other medication options include steroid nasal sprays and eye drops.

Aside from medication, there are a few other potential solutions to keep in mind. Stay indoors as often as possible when the pollen count is particularly high. Keep windows and doors shut and consider adding quality air filters to your home.